New Industry Products

ROM-Based GNSS Module Features Scalable Power Consumption

June 18, 2019 by Scott McMahan

STMicroelectronics has extended its GNSS product offering with the Teseo-LIV3R ROM-based module. The competitively-priced module offers the company's full GNSS algorithm capability for cost-conscious tracking and navigation devices.

The new GNSS module offers odometer functionality with three trip counters and provides a reached-distance alert, along with geofencing capabilities providing up to eight configurable circles and crossing-circles alarm.

For dependable navigation, support for real-time assisted GNSS with free server access ensures uninterrupted positioning data. Simultaneous tracking of GPS, Beidou, Glonass, Beidou, and QZSS constellations, with Satellite-Based Augmentation System (S-BAS) and RTCM[1] V3.1 differential positioning guarantees exceptional accuracy to within 1.5 meters (50% CEP).

Tracking sensitivity of -163dBm and time-to-first-fix faster than one second give it high performance for demanding applications.

ST says that the module is easy to use and responds to proprietary NMEA commands.

Featuring scalable power consumption according to accuracy, average current, and frequency of fixes, and providing support for multiple low-power modes, and a sub-15µA standby mode with RTC backup, Teseo-LIV3R is suited for battery-sensitive applications.

Block diagram (Click on image to enlarge)

Low-power modes include continuous-fix with adaptive and power-saving cycled modes, fix-on-demand with the device in permanent standby, and periodic-fix with GPS only.

For simplifying and accelerating new-product development, the module is FCC certified and is supported by the company's STM32 Open Development Environment.

For this reason, STM32 applications for advanced geolocation, smart tracking, and server-assisted GNSS are available, and the EVB-LIV3x evaluation board, as well as the X-NUCLEO-GNSS1A1 expansion boards provide a head-start with hardware.

The Teseo Suite PC tool helps readily configure settings and fine-tune performance. For sharing information and increasing understanding in the field, developers can join the ST GNSS community.

The Teseo-LIV3R module embeds Teseo III single die standalone positioning receiver IC working simultaneously on multiple constellations (GPS/Glonass/BeiDou/QZSS). A certified module, Teseo-LIV3R comes with optimized RF, embedded firmware, and offers the complete evaluation environment.

ST says that it saves development time, while the compactness and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for numerous applications, especially IoT including goods tracking, insurance, anti-theft systems, drones, tolling, people and pet locating, vehicle tracking, emergency calling, fleet management, vehicle sharing, public transportation, and diagnostics.

With its 9.7mm x 10.1mm size, Teseo-LIV3R boasts superior accuracy due to the onboard 26MHz Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) and a reduced Time To First Fix (TTFF) relying on its dedicated 32kHz Real Time Clock (RTC) oscillator.

Being a certified solution, it optimizes the time to market of the final applications. The device's operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

Features

  • Simultaneous multi-constellation
  • -163dBm tracking sensitivity
  • 1.5m CEP position accuracy
  • 2.1V to 4.3V supply voltage range
  • Tiny LCC 18 pin package (9.7mm x 10.1mm)
  • Operating temperature (-40°C, 85°C)
  • 17µW standby current and 70mW tracking power consumption

ST is now producing the Teseo-LIV3R is in volume. The 9.7mm x 10.1mm LCC18 module is priced from $7.3 for orders of 1000 pieces.